PRAYER REQUEST

Please pray this for me. That I would lead rigorously--

1. By Example
2. From Scripture
3. With Faith

Increase Your Joy

Your joy can be increased in surprising ways and in surprising places. John Piper while writing his book, When I Don't Desire God, called and asked his father, who was 85 years old at the time and had 60 years of ministry experience, what he thought Christians could do to increase their joy. He writes that his father answered without hesitation, "Share their faith." Piper concludes "Joy in Christ thrives on being shared. That is the essence of Christian joy: It overflows or dies."

Are you seeking opportunities to share your faith? Doing so will increase both your faith and your joy. Ask God for opportunities to invest in others and for open doors to share the gospel with those around you. Realize the urgency of what is at stake: heaven or hell.

Are You Prepared For A Leadership Opportunity?

Good leaders are hard to find. Why? Because, while leadership is about influence, it is very difficult. It takes energy, effort, risk, and a willingness to endure stinging criticism. Not everybody wants to lead, but most everybody has an opinion about how others lead.

You may not currently be in a leadership position or even want to be, but as the future is unknown--can you be sure that you will not have a leadership opportunity in the future? What if God desires to use you in a key role of influence? How can you prepare now so as not to be disqualified then?

Below are three areas to consider if you desire to prepare for future leadership opportunities.

1. You Prepare For Future Leadership Opportunities By Being Devoted To Your Family.

We all have opportunities to influence others. While we may not be leading a business, an army, or a nation, we do have daily opportunities to speak into the lives of others. One of the primary environments for this is the home. In fact, the home is regarded as the training ground for Christian leaders. If you are not faithful to your family you certainly will not be faithful to your followers. Are you currently influencing your spouse for good? Are you inspiring him or her to a growing relationship with Christ? If you have children, are you faithfully leading them to the face of God?

2. You Prepare For Future Leadership Opportunities Be Being Devoted To Your Character Development.

Andy Stanley writes:

"It is incumbent upon you to do all you can now to prepare yourself for your eventual success. Your gifts will open doors. Your character will determine what you do once those doors have opened."

Once you compromise your character--you lose trust, once you lose trust, you have lost the opportunity to influence--lead. Are you living a blameless life? Are you "above reproach" in all your dealings? Are you self-controlled, self-disciplined, and making wise decisions? One compromise could ruin a future opportunity to influence others.

3. You Prepare For Future Leadership Opportunities By Being Devoted To Studying God's Word.

Direction comes from truth. Are you a student of the Word? Are you willing to learn? Are you teachable?

Good leaders are hard to find. So get prepared because it may fall to you!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my Mom's Birthday. She is pictured below with me and my sister, Charm. Please don't tell my sister, but Mom has always liked me best! Happy Birthday Mom. You are the best! Charm and I are blessed to have a Mom who has always "modeled what mattered" and held up a big God for us to see as sovereign and powerful.

The Value Of A Great Assistant

Today marks the one year anniversary of my assistant Emily with me and Explore Church. She is pictured below with her husband Jeff. She has been a tremendous help in her time at Explore Church and it got me thinking: What makes a great assistant? Here is a list that I came up with...and of course--Emily is all of these.

1. A great assistant is proactive and takes initiative.
2. A great assistant has a "can-do" attitude.
3. A great assistant will create less work for you, not more.
4. A great assistant will set you up for success.
5. A great assistant will be a "Gate Keeper" and protect your time.
6. A great assistant will be a sounding board and check your reality.
7. A great assistant will be a time protector to increase your productivity.

Also--a great assistant will make you look good even when you are not looking too good!

Happy Anniversary Emily. You have been an answer to prayer!